The blast hurled bricks, glass and other debris across the neighborhood and onto nearby Metro-North tracks.

The city law department referred inquiries to the comptroller. That office said it does not comment on ongoing litigation.

The blast erupted around 9:30 a.m., about 15 minutes after someone from a neighboring building reported smelling gas, authorities said. Con Edison said it immediately sent workers to check out the report but they got there too late.